James Patterson Plans True Crime Book on Aaron Hernandez

The prolific novelist is "stunned" by Hernandez's death

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In this Dec. 10, 2012 file photo, Aaron Hernandez of the New England Patriots smiles from the sidelines in the fourth quarter during a game against the Houston Texans. Best-selling author James Patterson is writing a true crime book with Hernandez, who was found hanging by a bedsheet in his prison cell last week, as the main character.

Aaron Hernandez, the former NFL player and convicted murderer found hanging by a bedsheet in prison last week, will be the subject of an upcoming true crime book by best-selling author James Patterson.

Little, Brown and Co. told The Associated Press on Thursday that Patterson's book, not yet titled, is scheduled for early 2018. Patterson is also putting together a collection of true crime stories in partnership with Investigation Discovery, to come out on the TV network and in print next January.

Patterson, one of the world's most popular and prolific novelists, said in a statement that he was "stunned" by Hernandez's death and wanted to know "what went wrong." He's donating a portion of his author proceeds to education and reading initiatives.